At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage agendas, write minutes, and organise committee workloads in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, committed to community and equality.
- Benefits: Attractive salary, 22 days holiday, hybrid working, and personal development opportunities.
- Other info: Supportive team culture with training and mentoring for your growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in local governance while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in administration, event management, and a keen interest in local issues.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Do you enjoy administration and making sure the correct procedures are followed? We’re looking for a proactive, confident and calm individual with a high level of tact and discretion to work in our Democratic Services Team. You’ll be creating agendas, writing minutes and organising the workloads of some of our committees, so you’ll need to be highly organised, adaptable and interested in local community issues. You don’t need experience as a Democratic Services Officer, but we are looking for someone who has experience of working across different departments, stakeholders and organising meetings.
About the Role
- Managing work plans, creating agendas and drafting minutes for a selection of committees and boards.
- Using modern digital meetings infrastructure such as video webcasting to increase participation.
- Events organising, such as booking rooms, organising equipment and refreshments and managing attendance lists.
- Providing meetings procedural guidance to committee members and members of the public.
- Support councillor training events.
- Support councillors with administration requirements (this might include assisting with IT issues and the adoption of new technology such as AI).
- Working during evenings in line with our committee timetable.
About You
- Has direct experience of supporting boards, panels, committees or working groups.
- Can operate with tact and discretion in a political environment.
- Has excellent administrative and planning skills.
- Has some experience of events management.
- Has an understanding of local government and our purpose.
- Has a high level of computer literacy, including Microsoft 365, virtual meetings infrastructure, and can adapt to new technologies quickly.
- Is calm, confident and solutions-focused when under pressure.
- Is able to juggle multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
We will support your growth within the role through training, coaching and mentoring — because we believe in developing our people. This is a politically restricted post.
What we offer
- An attractive basic salary within a clear pay structure.
- 22 days annual leave (increasing to 27 days after 5 years continuous Local Government service) plus three additional days in December and bank holidays.
- The Council has partnered with Health Assured to provide staff with access to EAP (Employee Assistance Programme) to assist in balancing everyday life with the requirement of work and home.
- Free staff parking.
- Membership of the Local Government (CARE – Career Average (Revalued Earnings) Pension Scheme – Employer contribution of 19.7%.
- The Council operates a hybrid working model with a minimum of 2 days working in the office (this is additional to in-person attendance required at committee meetings).
- Invaluable training opportunities for continuing professional development.
Tunbridge Wells – Working for Equality. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.
Safeguarding
The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
Democratic Services Officer in Royal Tunbridge Wells employer: Tunbridge Wells Borough Council
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council is an excellent employer that values the growth and development of its staff, offering comprehensive training and mentoring opportunities to enhance your career as a Democratic Services Officer. With a supportive work culture, competitive salary, generous holiday entitlement, and a hybrid working model, you will find a fulfilling environment that prioritises work-life balance while engaging with local community issues. Located in the picturesque Royal Tunbridge Wells, you will enjoy the benefits of working in a vibrant town committed to equality and inclusivity.
Contact Details:
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Democratic Services Officer in Royal Tunbridge Wells
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in local government or those who have worked as Democratic Services Officers. A friendly chat can give you insights and maybe even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your organisational skills! When you get the chance, share examples of how you've successfully managed meetings or events. This will highlight your ability to juggle multiple priorities, just like the role requires.
✨Tip Number 3
Be tech-savvy! Brush up on your Microsoft 365 skills and get familiar with virtual meeting tools. Mentioning your adaptability to new technologies can really set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team at Tunbridge Wells Borough Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Democratic Services Officer in Royal Tunbridge Wells
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills. We want to see how your background aligns with the role of a Democratic Services Officer, so don’t hold back on showcasing your administrative prowess and event management experience!
Showcase Your Organisational Skills:Since this role involves managing work plans and creating agendas, it’s crucial to demonstrate your organisational abilities. Use specific examples from your past experiences where you successfully juggled multiple tasks or managed meetings effectively.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, especially in a role that requires drafting minutes and procedural guidance. Avoid fluff and focus on what makes you a great fit for the team!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our team there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tunbridge Wells Borough Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Familiarise yourself with the role of a Democratic Services Officer and the specific responsibilities mentioned in the job description. Understand the importance of creating agendas, writing minutes, and managing committee workloads. This will help you answer questions confidently and show your genuine interest in the position.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences that highlight your organisational abilities. Discuss how you've successfully managed multiple priorities or organised events. This is crucial since the role requires juggling various tasks and deadlines, so make sure to illustrate your adaptability and planning skills.
✨Demonstrate Tact and Discretion
Since this role involves working in a political environment, be ready to discuss how you've handled sensitive situations in the past. Share instances where you've operated with tact and discretion, especially when dealing with stakeholders or committee members. This will reassure the interviewers that you can navigate complex dynamics effectively.
✨Embrace Technology
Highlight your computer literacy and experience with digital tools, especially Microsoft 365 and virtual meeting platforms. If you've used any modern technology for meetings or events, share those experiences. Being tech-savvy is essential for this role, so showing your willingness to adapt to new technologies will set you apart.
